Modulation Pedal Order Explained
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Buying through the Amazon links on this page costs you nothing extra. Full disclosure
Modulation pedals sit in the middle of a pedal chain, after drive pedals and before delay and reverb. Chorus, flanger and phaser are modulation pedals, and their place in the chain shapes how they sound. A pedalboard keeps the chain in that order, and the boards here range from a 5-pedal board to one that holds 10.
Where modulation sits in the chain
A pedal chain runs from the guitar to the amp, and each pedal changes the signal in turn. Drive pedals come first, modulation pedals sit in the middle, and delay and reverb come last. Put a chorus, flanger or phaser after drive and before delay, so the modulation shapes the driven sound and the delay repeats it. Keep the order the same each time you set the board up.
Pick a board that fits the chain
Count the pedals in your chain before you pick a board. The SOYAN measures 18 by 11.8 inches and holds up to 10 standard pedals, and the Ghost Fire measures 19.8 by 11.5 inches and holds 8 to 10 pedals. The GOKKO measures 13.8 by 11 inches and holds 6 to 8 pedals, while the STRICH measures 15 by 8.66 inches and fits up to 5 pedals. Pick the board that holds the whole chain with room to spare.
Mount the pedals and the power supply
Fix each pedal to the board with the tape or strips that come with it, in the order the chain runs. The SOYAN has a metal tray beneath the board for the power supply, and the GOKKO has a power bracket beneath the board. The Ghost Fire leaves a large space at the bottom, and the STRICH leaves room beneath for power supplies of different sizes. Run the power cables under the board so they stay out of the way.
Angle, carry and care
The SOYAN and the GOKKO sit angled at about 8 degrees, so the back row sits higher than the front. The Ghost Fire has a foot stand that tilts the board, and the STRICH has an angled design that tilts the pedals. All 4 boards come with a carry bag, so you can pack the whole chain up and move it. Wipe the board with a soft dry cloth to clear dust.
What you need
SOYAN 18" x 11.8" Guitar Pedal Board
A steel board, 18 by 11.8 inches, that holds up to 10 pedals, with a power supply tray beneath and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
GOKKO Guitar Pedal Board with Power Supply
A steel board, 13.8 by 11 inches, that holds 6 to 8 pedals, with a power bracket beneath and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
- Isolated outputs
Ghost Fire Guitar Pedal Board Aluminum Alloy
An aluminum board, 19.8 by 11.5 inches, that holds 8 to 10 pedals, with a tilting foot stand and a carry bag.
- Case or gig bag included
STRICH Guitar Pedal Board Aluminum Alloy 1.2lb Super
A compact aluminum board, 15 by 8.66 inches, that fits up to 5 pedals, with hook-and-loop strips and a carry case.
- Case or gig bag included
- 1-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Pedalboard, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Where do modulation pedals go in the chain?
In the middle, after drive pedals and before delay and reverb. A chorus, flanger or phaser there shapes the driven sound, and the delay repeats it after. Keep the order the same each time you set up.
Can I put modulation before drive pedals?
You can, and it changes how the modulation sounds, since the drive then shapes the modulated signal. Try both orders on your board and keep the one that suits your playing.
How many pedals fit on these boards?
The STRICH fits up to 5 pedals, the GOKKO holds 6 to 8, the Ghost Fire holds 8 to 10, and the SOYAN holds up to 10. Count your chain first, then pick the board that holds it.
Ranked pedalboards lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.